How To Study the Bible
The Bible is the most widely read book of
human history. It is God’s word and it ought to be approached with deep respect.
We are urged to handle it in a careful and diligent manner (2 Tim. 2:15). As we
seek truth, we need to have the attitude that we are willing to apply it to our
lives, thus making Bible study a meaningful, fulfilling, life changing event. To
make Bible study what it ought to be, there are several good rules to follow:
1) Take a positive approach. Allow what
is learned to change one’s life and attitude, setting aside our own opinions,
prejudices and ideas in favor of what we read in God’s book (James 4:10).
2) Realize that there are no
contradictions in the Bible. When people ask about Bible contradictions, I ask
them to show me one. Usually they have no example, but if they do, upon
examination there has always been a reasonable explanation to show it was really
no contradiction at all. God’s word is true. (John 17:17).
3) Pray for understanding. Ask God for
wisdom in applying the things learned in everyday life (James 1:5,6).
4) Be willing to accept and correct.
Loving God means being willing to say “Yes” to His teaching (Jer. 10:23,24).
5) Consider the context. See who is
speaking and who is being spoken to. Just because the Bible contains the command
“Build an ark” does not mean you are the one to build it.
6) Consider all that the Bible says on a
given subject. Don’t just pick and choose; get the complete picture.
7) Do not put vague passages first. Build
your knowledge base on the easier understood passages first before proceeding to
the more difficult.
We hope that you have found these
suggestions helpful.
